Pesto ?

Post by **Who2** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 4:22 pm

I've been thinking of using a plant I think is called 'rohan or ham for a substitute for basil as my imported plant died. (the leaves have a similar taste) I am also looking for pine nuts.
But I wondered, has anybody purchased basil pesto from anywhere in
Luxor ? to save my self time, cheers.......

Post by **Who2** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 4:37 pm

It seems that basil was or is grown in Egypt does anybody know the Egyptian name for basil ?.....

PS: one of my local farmers just popped round for a pre-sunset stella and I got him to taste some Italian pesto he said "ibsarha so, any confirmations greatly received, he's been instructed to find some 'ibsarha before his next sunset tiffin-time....

Post by **Kevininabydos** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 5:10 pm

You can buy it at Arkrights. Basil does grow here, the Fayrouz hotel on the West Bank has it growing their gardens. Pinenuts are available in Spinneys supermarkets, Cairo or Hurgarda. I use unsalted cashew nuts if I can't get any pinenuts. (I have some Basil seed here, I will drop some in for you next time I come to Luxor.)

Post by **Who2** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 5:32 pm

Cheers' Kevin 'open-all-hours it is then, I can now go back to concentrating & concocting the cider production centre.....

Post by **Goddess** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 7:51 pm

Basil is Rehan
Pinenuts are Snooper and fairly expensive for such a little thing.
Jar of pesto costs between 12 and 20 LE

Post by **FABlux** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 9:48 pm

George I cut my basil (rehan) back and stuck some in water last week & they have rooted

so will let you have some as soon as they have grown a bit

Post by **Who2** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 7:32 am

Cool, cheers everyone so that's why rehan tasted like basil..hmm......

Post by **Mad Dilys** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 9:27 am

You really must contact Dr Who - he was offered Italian basil plants by my goodself and didn't collect them - you can have his.

Post by **Who2** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 9:30 am

Thank You MD he is actually a bit of an 'air-head or so I've been told....

Post by **BENNU** » Sun Jul 25, 2010 11:54 pm

I have made delicious pesto with rocket and walnuts

.

Post by **Kevininabydos** » Mon Jul 26, 2010 8:51 am

Have you tried making it with roasted eggplant (aubergine/bidingan) and sundried tomatoes, really scrummy just spread on toast for a snack! I use the shell-on peanuts or unsalted cashews as pinenuts are so hard to get.